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Why does my dog have a bleeding circular bald spot with a scab?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 4 years and 2 months old | 7 lbs

my dog has a circle spot with hair loss. But a scab in the middle and it’s bleeding

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 1st, 2019

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photo, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this to rule out the various possible causes. This could be a bacterial infection, fungal infection such as ringworm, etc. The veterinarian will be able to perform some additional testing and have a better look at it so that the most appropriate treatment can be recommended. I hope this helps!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on April 9th, 2017
This is likely normal, and the scab lesion is just healing but the nearby hairs epilate more easily because they are damaged. If this patch starts to spread even more after a few days, or if other hairless patches appear, Eddie may have ringworm or some other skin infection that needs treatment. Your veterinarian may want to do a skin scraping to identify if mites are present, or take hairs for a fungal culture.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on March 19th, 2020
It's hard to say if it is a wound, a small mass, or a local infection. I would recommend using clippers (not scissors) to cut the hair away from it, then clean with mild soap and water. Then you will be able to monitor it over the next few days. If you have seen Sky lick once, then she needs to wear an e-collar since that could spread infection or delay healing.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 8th, 2017
It could be from an injury and you could clean it with a wound cleaner and monitor the area. If the lesion persists or you notice any redness, discharge or swelling than have your vet examine him. It could be an infection, allergic dermatitis, mites, ringworm, etc and your vet can prescribe medications to treat, depending on the cause.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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